The marriage, then, that is consummated according to the word, is sanctified, if the union be under subjection to God, and be conducted "with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water, and holding the confession of hope; for He is faithful that promised." And the happiness of marriage ought never to be estimated either by wealth or beauty, but by virtue.
"Beauty," says the tragedy,--
"Helps no wife with her husband;
But virtue has helped many; for every good wife
Who is attached to her husband knows how to practice sobriety."
Then, as giving admonitions, he says:--
"First, then, this is incumbent on her who is endowed with mind,
That even if her husband be ugly, he must appear good-looking;
Clement of Alexandria in Print
